Beaufort Proposes Social District to Boost Downtown Business

Business owners divided on city's initiative to allow alcohol in public spaces to drive foot traffic

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The City of Beaufort, South Carolina is considering designating a downtown social district where patrons could carry alcoholic beverages while shopping four nights a week in an effort to boost foot traffic and business. The proposal has sparked debate among local merchants, with some seeing it as a creative solution while others express concerns about safety and changes to their customer base.

Why it matters

Beaufort's historic downtown has faced challenges in recent years, including a waterfront closure and a lengthy drainage project that disrupted the area. The city is looking for ways to revitalize the downtown corridor and support local businesses, but the social district proposal has divided opinion among merchants about whether it's the right approach.

The details

The proposed social district would operate Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., extending the city's existing 'First Friday' event concept. Some business owners, like Nan Sutton of Lulu Burgess, believe it could 'add some vibrancy' and make people 'feel more comfortable to walk up and down the street.' However, others like Lisa Mykleby of M Home and Garden worry it could 'attract a different element of customer' than their stores need and are uncertain about the practical implementation, including policing and extended store hours.

  • The city is working to finalize details of the proposal for a potential pilot period beginning in April 2026.
  • Beaufort has hosted a 'First Friday' event each month to encourage visitors and support local merchants.

The players

Nan Sutton

Owner of Lulu Burgess, a business located in Beaufort's downtown corridor.

Lisa Mykleby

Owner of M Home and Garden, a business located in Beaufort's downtown area.

Beaufort

The city in South Carolina that is considering designating a downtown social district to boost business.

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What they’re saying

“I think this would be a boost. It would make people feel more comfortable to walk up and down the street, come downtown, and enjoy it.”

— Nan Sutton, Owner, Lulu Burgess (wtoc.com)

“I'm afraid it's going to attract a different element of customer than we need for our store. I don't think that when they are drinking and strolling, they are seriously considering purchases at the price points at which we sell.”

— Lisa Mykleby, Owner, M Home and Garden (wtoc.com)

What’s next

City officials are continuing to gather feedback from downtown merchants before potentially launching a pilot of the social district program in April 2026.

The takeaway

Beaufort's proposal to create a downtown social district highlights the challenges small businesses face in revitalizing historic commercial corridors. While some see it as a creative solution, others worry it could change the customer base in unintended ways, underscoring the need for city leaders to carefully balance the diverse interests of local merchants.